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Mazda RX-8 Starting and Stalling Problems

74 messages,  Last post on Apr 20, 2013 at 12:16 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda RX-8, Coupe

    
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Messages Page 8 of 8

#67 of 74 Re: engines oil look like mustard( yellow color) [linhv] by rottenrotary

Dec 30, 2011 (12:12 pm)

Replying to: linhv (Nov 08, 2011 6:29 pm)
VERY BAD.
 
There is coolant in your oil which is a typical flaw with the RX8. You may not have an external leak, but you definitely have an internal one. I am sorry to say but because you have 120k miles on it, your warranty is void. However, there have been several cases where Mazda replaced the engine out of good faith. I would call the corporate office and try to convince them to help you out.
 
If it looks like mustard, that’s a sign that coolant has been leaking into your oil for quite some time, probably before you hit 100k miles and your engine is not going to last much longer.
 
On a side note, 5w20 is recommended my Mazda USA (only) solely for EPA ratings and MPG, not performance. 10w40 is the best oil for the RX8.

#68 of 74 Re-starting my Mazda RX8 by rahimh

Dec 31, 2011 (1:34 pm)

I have flooded my Mazda RX8. I have just removed all the spark plugs. I have been told that I need to crank the engines a few times before the engine would start. Can anyone clarify whether I need to reinstall the spark plugs before cranking the engine as I do not want to flood it again.
Thanks

#69 of 74 Re: engines oil look like mustard( yellow color) [linhv] by bob_adamz

Jan 29, 2012 (7:29 am)

Replying to: linhv (Nov 08, 2011 6:29 pm)
Actually, this is a known issue with RX-8's but it is NOT always fatal. Water condenses in the spout the dip stick goes through and the vibration of the engine makes it foam at the top. Usually it happens in cold weather. I called my dealer in a panic once, and he explained it to me. The real test is checking your coolant to see if there is oil in it, or have your oil changed and watch it as it comes out. If it's clear (ok.. black) and not milky, you are ok. As I understand it, the seals around the rotors are not like head gaskets on a normal combustion engine, there isnt really a path for the water jacket and oil to come into contact.

#70 of 74 Re: Re-starting my Mazda RX8 [rahimh] by montana_speed

Mar 22, 2012 (6:54 am)

Replying to: rahimh (Dec 31, 2011 1:34 pm)
You leave the spark plugs out, and crank the vehical over, be sure before doing so you pull out the fuel pump relay and fuse to cut off the fuel supply. also keep track of which plug wire went to which plug, and pay attention to the lead and trailing plug locations when putting them back in. the plugs sholud be labled L or T and the block has this stamped on it as well.

#71 of 74 Mazda refuses to face this problem in New Zealand by gdaoc

Jun 04, 2012 (3:07 pm)

A friend of mine bought a 2007 RX8 a year ago now and has had no end of problems with the engine stalling and then refusing to start again. It has to been taken into the shop and the plugs taken out, then dried out to restart it.
When Mazda was consulted they dodged the problem and then refused to deal with it any more saying that it was not their problem any more.
However, talking with other owners on forums has revealed that this is a bad performance fault with these cars and has been present since they were first released.
She has installed a heavy duty battery, platinum plugs and a high performance coil to help avid the problem, and starts the car very carefully
Cheers Jeff

#72 of 74 Re: Drive It Like You Stole It For 200K Miles Plus [hesuse] by benjamin8

Jun 13, 2012 (2:20 pm)

Replying to: hesuse (Jun 07, 2009 11:13 pm)
Yea Gary, you got to let it warm up to about half the temperature gauge. Even in winter you shouldn't have any problems starting it. My auto 2004 sits at work for 8 hours and I have no problems starting it. Altough I am having the shaking and stalling problem and I just got done replacing the engine mounts and catalyc converter. But I had the dealership do a full service and inspection, if there was a problem you would think they would have found something.

#73 of 74 RX 8 air bag recall by bullwinkle fan

Apr 19, 2013 (1:45 pm)

Has anyone else heard of the passenger side air bag recall on the 04 RX 8's ? Honda's,Toyota's,Nissan's,and the Mazda 3 2003/2004 are all involved from what I read in the newspaper last week.
Doug H. North California

#74 of 74 Re: RX 8 air bag recall [bullwinkle fan] by claires HOST

Apr 20, 2013 (12:16 am)

Replying to: bullwinkle fan (Apr 19, 2013 1:45 pm)
It doesn't look like there are many RX-8's involved, but they're all 2004 models, according to the Washington Post:
"Mazda said it will recall just 149 vehicles in the U.S., certain 2003 and 2004 Mazda6 and 2004 RX-8 vehicles. Worldwide, the Mazda recall population is estimated at 20,000."
Airbag Recall Affects 4 Japanese Automakers, BMW, GM
 
ClaireS, Host
Automotive News & Views | Coupes & Convertibles

Messages Page 8 of 8

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